Jesse Hirsh engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with John Wolfstone, centered on the concept of community in today's increasingly fragmented world. As they explore the notion of intentional communities, John shares insights from his experiences at Tamera, a thriving polyamorous village in Portugal that emerged from the trauma of fascism in Europe. The conversation delves into how communities can serve as a counterbalance to rising authoritarianism and alienation in society, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and solidarity among diverse groups. John articulates that true community goes beyond mere friendship; it is about shared responsibility and mutual care, where individuals support one another irrespective of their differences. This exploration also touches on the importance of vulnerability as a strength, suggesting that acknowledging one’s loneliness can pave the way for deeper connections and healing in a society plagued by loneliness and division.
The dialogue navigates the complexities of modern identity politics and the dangers of othering, particularly in North America, where political affiliations often define community boundaries. Jesse and John discuss how the rise of fascism is linked to a culture of exclusion and fear, highlighting the urgent need to cultivate spaces that embrace diversity and foster understanding. Through their exchange, they articulate a vision of community that not only engages with the current socio-political landscape but actively seeks to transcend it. John posits that embracing our differences and entering conversations with an open heart can lead to transformative changes in how we relate to one another. The episode serves as a rallying cry for individuals to step into their power, recognizing that the act of building community is an essential response to the crises of our time.
The conversation culminates in John's upcoming summit, 'Fugitive Futures,' which aims to gather thought leaders and community builders to explore regenerative culture and collective healing. This event is framed as an opportunity to engage with the uncertainties of the future, encouraging participants to share their grief, hopes, and visions for a better world. John emphasizes that the summit is not merely about answers but about creating a space for dialogue and experimentation in the face of societal challenges. As they reflect on the potential for communities to emerge from the shadows of despair, Jesse and John inspire listeners to envision a future where solidarity and empathy reign, and where the power of community becomes a transformative agent for change. The episode ultimately leaves audiences with a sense of hope and a call to action, inviting them to participate in the ongoing journey toward a more connected and just society.
Takeaways:
The conversation emphasizes the urgency of community in an increasingly isolated and alienated society.
John Wolfstone highlights the importance of vulnerability as a foundational element of true community.
The role of storytelling is crucial in shaping the future and building connections.
Tamara community serves as a model of resilience, focusing on healing and inclusion amidst conflict.
Recognizing the biological imperative for social connection can help address the loneliness epidemic.
Engaging in open-minded dialogue with differing viewpoints is essential for fostering understanding and growth.
Jesse Hirsh engages in a profound dialogue with Cory Doctorow, exploring the current socio-political landscape shaped by technology and governance. As they navigate the implications of AI nationalism and authoritarianism, Doctorow offers insights into how these trends echo historical patterns of control and resistance. The conversation delves into the mechanics of social media and the importance of interoperability among platforms like Blue Sky and Mastodon, emphasizing that the future of online communication hinges on user agency and freedom from corporate entrapment. Doctorow articulates a vision for a more decentralized digital ecosystem, where users can migrate seamlessly between platforms without losing their social connections. This dialogue is underscored by the urgency of responding to growing authoritarianism, and Doctorow’s reflections on the necessity of community and solidarity in the face of systemic oppression resonate deeply throughout the episode.
Takeaways:
Cory Doctorow emphasizes the importance of understanding that capitalism has various forms, each with different implications for society.
The conversation explores the growing divide between for-profit and non-profit social media platforms and their impact on users.
Doctorow argues that personal relationships, rather than data, are the main reason people stay on social media platforms.
The discussion highlights the need for better interoperability in social media to empower users to leave if they choose.
Jesse Hirsh and Cory Doctorow discuss the implications of authoritarian nationalism in the context of the current political climate.
Doctorow shares insights on how the Digital Millennium Copyright Act restricts creative freedom and hampers innovation in the digital age.
Join Jesse Hirsh as he engages in a fascinating conversation with David Fingrut, delving into the vibrant history of the media collective and its impact on Toronto's cultural landscape in the 1990s. They explore how this unique social network fostered collaboration among diverse individuals, bridging various political ideologies while promoting creative projects that challenged mainstream narratives. Fingrut shares insights on the collective's ethos, encapsulated in the slogan "don't get caught," highlighting the interplay between activism, media, and public space. The discussion also touches on the evolution of grassroots movements, drawing parallels to contemporary events like Reclaim the Streets, which sought to reclaim urban spaces through creative protest. As they navigate these themes, Hirsh and Fingrut reflect on the ongoing relevance of these movements in today's socio-political climate, emphasizing the importance of community organizing and the fight for justice.
Engaging in a rich conversation about the evolution of media and community activism, Jesse Hirsh and David Fingrut reflect on the legacy of the Media Collective, a group that flourished in Toronto during the late 1990s. Fingrut describes the Media Collective as a vibrant social network that convened in person to collaborate on creative projects, often infused with political undertones. The conversation reveals how the collective fostered a sense of community among diverse individuals who were passionate about media-making and social change, utilizing discussions and monthly meetings to share ideas and launch various initiatives. Hirsh emphasizes the cultural significance of the collective during a period marked by the rise of the internet and alternative media, suggesting that it represented a crucial turning point in how communities engaged with media production.
Delving deeper into the socio-political context of their experiences, the hosts discuss how the Media Collective intersected with movements like Reclaim the Streets, which sought to reclaim public space through creative protests. Fingrut recalls the playful yet poignant tactics employed, such as street theater and spontaneous gatherings, which contrasted sharply with conventional forms of activism. The dialogue highlights the necessity of physical presence and community organizing, especially when juxtaposed against the backdrop of today's digital landscape, where online activism often overshadows physical mobilization. As they navigate through the significance of these grassroots movements, both Hirsh and Fingrut underscore a collective yearning for a return to tangible, community-driven activism in the face of modern challenges.
The episode culminates with a discussion on the future of activism and the role of media in shaping public discourse. The two ponder the implications of the current political climate, particularly as it relates to the rise of authoritarianism and the erosion of public spaces. They reflect on the lessons learned from the Media Collective and how those principles can inform contemporary movements seeking to reclaim agency in a world increasingly dominated by corporate interests. Hirsh and Fingrut's dialogue serves as a poignant reminder of the power of collective action, the importance of community, and the ongoing struggle for a more just and equitable society, urging listeners to reconsider their roles within these narratives of resistance and resilience.
After a long hiatus, Metaviews to the Future returns with a renewed sense of purpose. In this special episode, we reflect on the journey of Metaviews so far—its origins, milestones, and the critical conversations that have defined our work.
This moment of resurgence marks the beginning of a new chapter, as we double down on our mission to envision a future of authority that serves everyone. Against the backdrop of rising authoritarianism, we explore how to look beyond its grip, toward its eventual collapse and failure. What does it take to build systems of power rooted in wisdom, nature, and participation?
Join us as we examine the past, embrace the present, and chart a course for a more just and funky future. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the conversation starts here.
The future is what we make it. Provided we’re willing to pay attention. We have to see our path, and see what lies ahead, if we have any hope of getting there.
Keep Your Head Up
It’s easy to get bogged down in the endless tyranny of today. To craft the future we desire, we need to keep our eyes on the big picture. Understand the challenges. Seize the opportunities. Mobilize our friends, and share our knowledge.
An Open Source Intelligence Network
Join a community of people who love learning, hunger for knowledge, and relish in helping others gain new insights and skills. Enjoy the work of others, and contribute your own analysis to a growing matrix of seriously smart and sometimes surreal network of agents.
Signal Amidst Noise
In a world of information overload where secrets are increasingly scarce, the challenge becomes sifting through the chaff to find the bits that matter. Like a beacon we provide a signal that cuts through the noise and shines towards a future we want and work towards.
A consistent mistake we make in the era of the internet is to focus on the user experience and ignore the systemic effects. We love to gaze at the shiny object, but we don’t take enough time to step back and understand the big picture. The rise of Uber is a great example of this.
Uber is not a transportation or logistics company. For a long time I liked to argue that Uber was a media company that specialized in algorithms and data. However now I’m starting to see Uber as even larger than that, not just a conglomerate, but an actual sovereign entity.
The United States of Uber is an emerging federation of co-operating entities that uses data, to make money, and accumulate power.
At the heart of this rising state are the algorithms that sort data, and rank subjects. While we do not have a full picture of how these algorithms operate, we are getting glimpses of their purpose and effects via various initiatives and disputes.
Judge Rakoff then proceeds to cite the case of the Silk Road and how the design of such systems, while facilitating automation, do not absolve the creator of agency or responsibility:
There’s interesting research by Alex Rosenblat and Luke Stark that contributes to the argument that Uber drivers are not contractors or at least not in a position to negotiate a proper contractual relationship. Their argument focuses on the persuasive if not coercive role of the Uber algorithm:
Which is why the issue of Uber’s power is so important. The data that the company is able to collect and correlate is substantive. On a surface level this includes data about traffic, about urban usage patterns, and about personal preferences, whether where you go (home, work, entertainment) or what you eat (UberEats). However it can also include much more valuable data, especially when it comes to facilitating or enabling marketplaces.
For several hours on a specific day in specific cities, Uber users are invited to try and catch a ride with a notable investor or venture capitalist who is open to hearing their pitch. You’re given 15 minutes, 7 to pitch, and 7 to discuss (1 minute to say hi I guess), before you’re dropped off and the next person gets in to make their pitch.
While UberPITCH is arguably a marketing stunt to get people signing up and using the service (not to mention talking about Uber as I am doing now) it also speaks to a potential diversification of Uber’s services based on data profiling. After all, Uber knows who uses the service, and they have rankings for all those users based both on driver/user reviews but also any other data they can get their digital hands on.
For example what if Uber got into the financial matchmaking service and was able to secure a small commission from any deal that they helped facilitate. What if Uber paid certain investors just to hear pitches, who after all are always looking for the next thing to invest in. What if they matched them up while they went about their usual commutes? What about dating in general? Too risky? Or can the algorithms adapt to that kind of sorting and ranking as well?
Given Uber’s growing knowledge of our urban environments and the people who move through them, there’s considerable potential for the company to facilitate all sorts of social structures, relationships, and transactions that potentially give them a sort of power that neither corporate conglomerates nor political parties or associations have traditionally possessed.
Let’s also not forget Uber’s track record of asking for forgiveness rather than asking for permission. Instead of working with public policy planners and elected representatives the company has consistently invaded a market, defied rules, and waited until their power and presence was unquestionable before sitting down to negotiate terms.
With that in mind, what if Uber, as a collection of algorithms, is itself a new kind of growing institution? An emerging state that challenges the power and ability of existing nation states? A new society growing within the shell of the old?
Something to consider as Uber continues to grow and the lawsuits against it offer insights into the company’s practices and impact. What is their end game? Why are they going? What services and markets can they expand into?
